St. Clair County, Illinois - Chapter 13: Tse Common Schools, 1881

Chapter 13: Tse Common Schools

) HE common schools of this county are at present managed under that beneficent system of free instruction provided for in our State Constitution which says, " The general assembly shall provide a thorough and efficient system of free schools, whereby all the children of this State may receive a good common school education."

concerning it, and that not earlier than the year 1837. Tor a few facts concerning the pioneer school work of the county we are indebted to some of the old settlers still living, who gladly recounted the doings of their schoolboy days. It is known that in early times the Jesuits had schools among the Indians, who lived in this section of the state, and whilst they sought to implant in the Red Man's bosom a faith in a crucified Saviour, they also tried to train his intellect to grasp something of the white man's learning and the ways of civilized life.

More than a hundred years ago, the French settlers at Cahokia had schools, but these were managed in connection with their church afiairs. However, about the year 1836, three Sisters belonging to a Catholic Order arrived there from France, and opened a school, which was sustained by subscription. Afterward private schools were kept for sliort periods, all sustained by subscription ; and among the teachers of these were Robinson, Dunn and Chapman. In later years the schools of Cahokia have been conducted independent of state aid, being liberally provided for from a fund derived from the rents of Cahokia Commons.

The early English settlers, being far separated from each other did not enjoy any school privileges until about the year 1810, when school-houses were erected at Shiloh, Turkey Hill, and one or two other places. The school buildings of that early day were but small as compared with the comfortable houses to be found in every school district of the county to-day.

A brief description of the first school-house erected on Turkey Hill will not be out of place here, and the accompanying cut will help to give our readers an idea of the temples of learning - the " Old Log" school-houses" - in which the pioneers of this section were wont to woo the goddess of wisdom. The structure was a one story log house, with clapboard roof and puncheon floor. It had windows of greased paper to admit the light, a portion of a log being left out on each side to make room for this substitute for glass. A large-fire-place extended across the entire rear end of the room, in which on cold days a roaring fire of logs piled high sent out heat to warm the school-master's legs, who took good care to have his seat in the warm corner of the room. The fine desks of modern days had no place there ; hut slabs fastened up around the sides of the house by pegs driven into the logs answered as writing and ciphering tables, while puncheon benches served for seats.- The pupils all faced the wall when studying, but ranged themselves in a semi-circle in front of the fire-place when called out to recite.--

In those primitive days, the varied apparatus to be found in most of our school-houses at the present day had no place. No maps graced the walls, neither did a globe or Webster's Unabridged have a place on the teacher's desk, if desk there chanced to be- No disagreeable chalk dust filled the room, for no blackboard was used. The three R's - Reading, 'Kiting and 'Rithmetic - were the principal studies, the writing being done with goose quills. There are only two log school-houses in the county now, and they have been so modernized, that a stranger visiting them would hardly discover the fact. The writer commenced his career as a teacher twenty-one years ago in an adjoining county in just such a schoolhouse as the one above described, the paper windows excepted, and well does he remember how the hogs, quarreling beneath the floor, would occasionally, and unceremoniously too, raise a portion of the floor, and with their squealing, disturb the quiet of the school- room and the serenity of the teacher.

The early schools of the county were subscription schools ; the teachers generally boarding round from house to house among the patrons of the school, and receiving their salary in money or produce. The school-houses being few and far between, it was no uncommon thing for the pupils to have to trudge three, four or even five miles, morning and evening, to get a little schooling. The teachers generally were poorly educated, if the stories told of them are to be believed, and in many instances sadly needing to be taught themselves. Most of them were proficient in wielding the rod, and it is related of one by the name of Daily, that he would occasionally get drunk during school hours, and vary the programme of exercises by whipping the whole school, beginning on his own poor boys first, by way of getting his hand in. In his sober hours " book-keeping " was his hobby.

Among the first teachers of whom we have any knowledge, was one Sinclair by name, who taught in Belleville, and also at Turkey Hill, about the year ] 815. It is related of him that, being locked out of the school by the boys, who demanded a Christmas treat, he refused to treat and amused himself by marching around the schoolhouse, every morning, for nearly a week with an old sword strapped to his waist and an old musket on his shoulder, threatening dire destruction to the boys within. The boys " held the fort," and in the teacher's absence, occasionally sent out one of the number for supplies of food. At the end of the week Sinclair, having enjoyed the fun to his satisfaction, gracefully yielded, and stood treat to apples apd cakes.

Another teacher at the same school and on a similar occasion, thought to get ahead of the boys and gain an entrance to the school by mounting the roof and tearing off" the clap-boards. The boys, however, were too smart for him. They smoked him down, and got the treat for their smartness.

In 1823, Elihu Shepard of New York settled in this county, and taught school at Turkey Hill and Belleville. He was well educated, and of a kind and genial nature. He won the esteem of his pupils, which he retained through the rest of his life. He removed to St. Louis at the age of sixty years, and investing his savings in some real estate, became a millionaire by its rapid rise in value. He did much for the advancement of education during his stay in this county.

The venerable Wm. McClintock, of Belleville, in 1824, taught a school a few miles south of Belleville, but he abruptly terminated his engagement there the day before Christmas, owing to the boisterous conduct of the boys, wlio demanded a treat, some wanting a gallon of whisky, and others candy and nuts.

man, and received his tuition fees in whatever the people had to give him, taking chickens, ducks, colts and calves for his labors as school-master. Often he would leave a monitor to look after the school while he fed and curried the colts. As his name indicates he was too fast to stay long in one place. Loud studying was the« order of his school-room, and in spelling matches, which were frequent, the pupils yelled out the words at the top of their voices.

During the winter of 1810 and 1811, a school was taught at the house of William Adams, about a mile west of Shiloh, by a Mr. Deihmick, a surveyor by profession.

About the year 1820, Mr. Gallop, who taught iu various parts of the county, opened a school at what was known as the Kinney place. He also officiated at Shiloh for a term, and in 1824, at Union church, near the present town of Centreville.

The first school-house at Shiloh was built about the year 1811. It was a log structure, similar in all respscts to the one already described. Among the first of its pupils was Mr. Felix Scott, now a resident of Belleville, Illinois.

In 1808, John Bradsby taught a school on Turkey Hill, a little north of what is now the north line of Richland Precinct. No school was kept in that neighborhood from that time till 1815, when Mr. Sinclair, before mentioned, commenced his school in the log building referred to. About the year 1815, John Boucher taught a school in an old house on the Silver Creek, in the Fayetteville precinct. This school was sustained by subscription. To admit additional light to the school-room on dark days, the roof was so arranged that a portion of it could be raised as a trap door.

In the New Athens precinct, Mr. William Baumann, one of the early German settlers, to provide his own children with a little schooling, opened a school in his own house, and imparted instruction to his own and a few of his neighbors' children.

In the same precinct, Mr. Isaac Hill taught a school of about thirty pupils in the year- 1831. The school-house was located on section thirty-four, about two miles south-east of New Athens. Contrary to the usual custom, Mr. Hill did not have to board round, but had a comfortable home at the residence of Philip Lively. In the same precinct, on Mud Creek, a Mrs. Martha Wilson taught school in 1836, in a log school-house, which was furnished with one long window, of five panes of gla?s, instead of greased paper, as many of the early log school-houses were.

In the Ridge Prairie precinct, as early as 1830, there was a log school-house located on the sixteenth section, at which Mr. James H. Lemen taught. Afterward Susan F. Connor, a Boston lady, who had been induced to come west by Rev. John M. Peck, taught at the same place. She brought with her quite a collection of school apparatus, with which to assist her in her work, consisting of maps, charts, a tellurian, numeral frame, etc. All these things were novelties to the pupils and patrons of the school, for no other school had any thing of the kind.

In 1804, John Messenger taught surveying, and also kept a night school near Shiloh. He afterwards became Professor of Mathematics at the Rock Spring Seminary.

Eminent among the early teachers of this county was John H. Dennis, a Virginian by birth, who came to Belleville in 1824. He taught private and public schools in Belleville and vicinity for more than thirty years, and held the office of County Superintendent of Schools for four years. lie was a ripe scholar and a successful teacher. He died in Belleville in 1869. George Bunsen,a devoted disciple of Pestalozzi, who came to this country from Germany in the early days of free school education, gave his energies to the advancement of the Free School idea, and the development of better methods of teaching. He taught at Cherry Grove, and afterwards opened a private training school in Belleville, teaching on Saturdays, in order to give the teachers of Belleville and vicinity an opportunity of observing and learning his method of teaching. He a favorite with old and young. Teaching was his life-work, and anything that had for its object the elevation of the human intellect had his hearty support. He held the position of School Director in Belleville for many years, and most of the time was president of the Board, and ex-officio superintendent of the county schools. He was a member of the State Board of Education, and County School Commiss^ioner from 1855 to 1859. He died in 1872. The first school-house in St. Clair precinct was built in 1831, by Isaac Kainey, A. P. Free, Richard Beasley, and a few others. Its first teacher was John Campbell, who was an ardent wielder of the rod, but it was the fi.shing'-rod. Every day at noon, during pleasant weather, he took his whole school down to the creek, near by to indulge iu his favorite pastime of fishing. His compensation was $2.50 per scholar for three months. James Halliday afterward taught there, and refusing to treat at Christmas time, was bound by the boys and dragged down to the creek for a ducking. When about to be pitched into the water, he wilted and gave the treat.

The first school-house in Richland precinct was built about the year 1830. There were several private schools taught in private houses previous to that time. John M. Scott, at present one of the Supreme Judges of Illinois, taught in the Shiloh precinct in 1 844. One of the most noted of the early educational institutions of the county was the Eock Spring Seminary, established by Rev. John M. Peck, D. D., in the year 1827, and located about three miles north-east of Shiluh. In 1831, the school was closed and removed to Upper Alton, and from it grew the well-known Shurtleflf College of that city. It commenced with twentyfive students, which number in a few weeks increased to one hundred. The first principal of the institution was Rev. Joshua Bradley, A. M., and he was assisted by Rev. John M. Peck, D. D., Professor of Theology, and John Messenger, Professor of Mathematics, etc. Among the students were Hon. Ninian W. Edwards of Springfield, Ills, Col. Jas. L. D. Morrison of St. Louis, Col. John Thomas, Wm. H. Stewart, and the late Wm. S. Thomas of Belleville. McKendree College at Lebanon, the Howe Institute at East St. Louis, and the Academy of the Immaculate Conception at Belleville, have each done much to advance education in this county, and sketches of these institutions will appearin this work in their appropriate places.

The Belleville Kindergarten, organized by an association of ladies, of which Mrs. Matilda Raab is secretary, has been doing good work for "the little ones," since its incorporation in 1874. It has real estate valued at $4500, and apparatus worth $300. During 1880, it had two teachers, enrolled 115 pupils, and maintained school 46 weeks.

The first school districts ever organized in the county were established by the county commissioners' court, at the June terra, 1825, as appears from the record of that date, which is signed by John Stuntz, Abel Fike and William Rutherford, " Esquires, County Commissioners." These districts were Cherry Grove, Union Grove, Turkey Hill, Sugar Creek, Ogle Creek and Mount

Pleasant. They are still in existence, though their boundary lines have been somewhat changed as the townships in which they are located became more thickly settled. They were laid out by the Court on "petition of several families praying for school privileges according to law." This law, the first school law of the state, was enacted January 15, 1825, and had the following preamble, which shows the estimate placed on general education by the early lawmakers of the state :

" To enjoy our rights and liberties we must understand them ; their security and protection ought to be the first object of a free^ people ; and it is a well-established fact that no nation has ever continued long in the enjoyment of civil and political freedom, which was not both virtuous and enlightened ; and believing that the advancement of literature always has been, and ever will be, the means of developing more fully the rights of man, that the miud of every citizen in a republic is the common property of society, and constitutes the basis of its strength and happiness; it is therefore considered the peculiar duty of a free government like ours to encourage and extend the improvement and cultivation of the intellectual energies of the whole ; therefore, a common school or schools shall be established in each county of this state."

The districts before mentioned were governed by three trustees who examined and employed the teachers, who received their salary " in cash or good merchantable produce" from the citizens of the district who had given their consent to support the school, which was " first had and obtained in writing." No one could be taxed to support the school without his consent. White children alone were permitted to attend. The teachers got but little cash for their salaries, often having to take the produce, which they disposed of as they could. Times have changed since then. Now all are taxed to support the schools of the people ; black and white children alike enjoy the benefits of the free schools, and the teachers draw their pay monthly in hard cash, or greenbacks.

As the county became settled school districts multiplied, and school-houses began to dot the prairies like islands in the sea, until in 1855, a new school law, with its liberal provisions for education, gave a new impetus to the schools, and the citizens of the county, always strongly iu favor of free education, took hold in earnest, and many new districts were organized and new school- houses erected.

The early school funds received from the state were in State Bank paper, which had to be disposed of by the recipients of it at a considerable discount. The sum of $120.30 in this paper was disposed of by the trustees of Tp. 1 N., 7 W-, for $50 in 1»42. The first record of funds received from the state was made by Sylvester Merrills, school commissioner, January, 1837, showing that he received $829.26, at Vandalia, being the quota of St. Clair county for the years 1831, 1835 and 1836.

In 1840 the school fund received from the state was only $1,422.31, in 1860 $13,330.09, and in 1880 it had increased to $21,085.88. The amount of special district taxes collected in 1860 for the support of the schools was $21,244.59, and iu 1880 about six times that amount - $127,704.98. In 1860 the total amount expended for all school purposes was $40,596.80, and in 1880 it was $161,298.60. In 1840 the number of persons entitled to school privileges was 7,292, in 1860 it was 11,235, and in 1880 21,421, showing the steady and rapid growth of the population of the county. In 1860 the number of districts was 85 and the number of school-houses 81, which in 1880 had increased to 116 districts, with 138 school-houses ; and in the latter year the estimated value of the school-houses and grounds held by the diflTerent districts aggregated the large sum of $282,923.00. There were 138 teachers employed in 1860, and on the 1st of January, 1880, the teachers of the county numbered 237, being 126 males and 111 females. Separate schools for colored children are maintained at Brooklyn, East St. Louis, East Carondelet and Ogle Creek. There are only two colored teachers at present employed in the free schools of the county, one at Brooklyn and one at East St. Louis.

The schools of Belleville, East St. Louis, Mascoutah and Lebanon are managed by boards of education, consisting of six members, excepting Belleville, which has a board of nine members. All of the other districts are controlled by boards of directors consisting of three members. The whole number of district school officers is 363.

There are twenty-one townships, seventeen of which are whole ones and four are fractional. Their affairs are managed by Boards of Trustees, consisting of three members and a secretary, who is exofficio treasurer of the township. The treasurers are elected for two years. Those now in office are as follows, and their terms will expire April, 1882 :

Township 1 N., R. 7 W., Shiloh, has had but few changes in its treasurers. Dr. Anton Schott, who died in 1870, held the office of treasurer in that township for twenty-four successive years. This township also has the largest township fund in the county, amounting to $11,073.59, which it realized from the sale of the original sixteenth section. There are at present no school lands held by the townships, except a small piece of about three or four acres in Township 1 S., R. 7 W., Freeburg, on which there are a few graves. The largest amount, disbursed by any treasurer in 1880, was 143,390.50 by Treasurer Lind of Belleville, and the next largest, $31,121.65, by Treasurer Boismenue of East St. Louis. The first chief school officer of the county, so far as can be ascertained from the official records, was William Moore, who was appointed December 3d, 1833, by the county commissioners to the office of commissioner and agent for the school fund of the county of St Clair. He held the position one year, and was succeeded December 15th, 1834, by Sylvester Merrills, who filled the office till 1843. Mr. Merrills was a man of considerable ability, and filled several other offices in the county. He was of a genial temperament, and had a speck of fun in his nature, as will be seen from the following entry made by him on a fly leaf of a copy of the Illinois Statutes of 1840, now in the county superintendent's office :

" Taken without liberty from the county clerk's office, June 16, 1840, and found the wisdom of the Illinois Legislature herein mentioned. S. Merrills."

Smyth Moore succeeded him, and filled the office from 1843 to 1847, when George C. Hart came into office, and in December 1849 was followed by David McFarland, who held the office of county commissioner of schools for four years. Joseph Hypes took charge of the office in 1853, George Buusen in 1855, John H. Dennis in 1850, and Elihu J. Palmer in 1863. Augustus Whiting was elected school commissioner in 1865, for four years, but resigned the position in June, 1867, when by appointment of the county court Hon. James B. Slade assumed the duties of the office. He held the office till December, 1873, when John B. Gwillim was chosen to succeed him. Upon the death of Mr. Gwillim, Mr. Slade was again placed in the county superintendent's office by the county board, which occurred February 5, 1875. Mr. Slade continued in the office till December 4ih, 1878, when he tendered his resignation previous to assuming the duties of state superintendent of public instruction, to which office he had been elected a mouth previous. The writer, James McQuilkin, by appointment of the county board, assumed the duties of county superintendent for one year, and in November, 1879, was elected by the people to fill the unexpired term, closing in December, 1881.

The first superintendents, or rather school commissioners as they were styled, examined and paid the teachers; being custodians of all school funds, and keeping separate accounts with each township. When the school law of 1855 went into force, their duties were materially changed, and they were required to visit and inspect all schools at least once a year. From 1873, to July 1, 1879, there were no official visitations of schools by the superintendent for the purpose of inspection, the law of 1872 having left it optional with county boards whether this work should be done or not. Durincr this time the superintendent's duties were principally confined to office work, one hundred days being allowed him for that purpose. In June, 1879, the county board increased this time to two hundred and fifty days, and directed the superintendent to visit the schools as the law directs. During the present scholastic year every one of the 237 schools in the county has been visited once, and some of them twice, averaging about three hours to each visit, and the distance travelled by the superintendent was about 1200 miles.

The Superintendent is custodian of the county school fund, which is a permanent one, amounting to $1,325, only the interest of which is used for school-purposes. Another source of revenue to the school fund is derived from the fines and forfeitures imposed in the courts and by justices of the peace for violations of statute laws. The amount received from this source in 1880 was $3,461.82." The records of examinations of teachers present but little of interest. The superintendents prior to 1859 have left no records in the office of their work in this direction. The superintendents since that time have kept records of examinations, and occasionally wrote out a remark or observation opposite a teacher's name. The following extracts will show how some of the superintendents felt with regard to those to whom they issued certificates : " Tolerable. I fear his sobriety;" "Very good for so young a man" (age 20); " Pretty good for a youth " (age 18).

From September 16, 1863, to August 20, 1864 - war times - all teachers in this county to whom jcertificates were granted, had to take an " oath of allegiance." Andrew J. Hendon, age twenty-nine, and Miss Sarah E. Collins, age twenty-three, were the first teachers to go through this ceremony, and the last one to do so was Miss Cordelia Critchlow, age seventeen. Of the one hundred and twentysix male teachers now employed in the county, only ten are under twenty-one years of age, and of the one hundred and eleven females, only six are under eighteen. During war times many of the teachers of the county oifered their services to their country, so that it was a difiicult matter to supply a sufficient number of efiicient teachers to carry on the schools. Since that time, the organization of the two state normal schools and numerous private training schools in various parts of the state have afforded to young men and women desiring to enter the teacher's profession, an opportunity of fitting themselves for the better discharge of the arduous and responsible duties oi the school-room, and to-day the teachers of St. Clair as a body are not surpassed by those of any other county ; three of them, Messrs. Charles A. Singletary, George F. Kenower, and Erail Dapprich hold state certificates. In addition to these three, ninety-six teachers hold first grade certificates, and one hundred and thirty-eight hold certificates of the second grade. An examination for state certificates, conducted by the county superintendent by authority of the state department, was held at Belleville in August, 1880.

The institute work of the county commenced in the year 1859 under the superintendency of George Bunsen. On the 4th of April of that year, in pursuance of a call issued by the leading teachers of the county, eighty-three teachers assembled at Belleville, and organized the first " St. Clair County Teachers' Institute," declaring in the first article of their constitution, that their object was "the advancement of education and the mutual improvement of teachers." Mr. George Bunsen, school commissioner, was chosen president of the institute, and Mr. E. Bigelow of Lebanon, secretary. Of the teachers who were members of that institute, only four are now teaching in this county, namely, Henry Raab, Clarence J. Lemen, and Mrs. Mary E. Thwing of Belleville, and Peter J. C. Marion of Cahokia. Hon. James P. Slade, present state superintendent, was also a member of the institute, and took an active part in its proceedings. Institutes were also held in April, 1862 and 1863, during the superintendency of John H. Dennis; in April, 1864, under the administration of Elihu J Palmer; and in 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1»73 and 1876, during the superintendency of Hon. J. P. Blade. In the institute of 1871 the largest number of teachers was enrolled, being one hundred and sixty-eight In July, 1880, a two weeks' institute was held by the present superijitendent, and one hundred teachers were enrolled. The exercises at all the institutes held were of special benefit to teachers, and designed to aid them in more efficiently discharging their responsible duties. They embraced lectures on theory and art of teaching, class-exercises and discussions of methods of teaching, interspersed with music, essays and original poems. In March, 1879, the leading teachers of the county, feeling the need of a closer union among themselves, organized the "St. Clair County Teachers' Association," which holds regular quarterly meetings. Its membership is about one hundred, and it is steadily increasing. Its first president was John H. G. Brinkerhoff of Lebanon, and its second George F. Kenower of

Mascoutah. The association has an historical committee, who are engaged in compiling a history of the pioneer school-work of the county ; a library committee, who are securing a library for teachers, and a publication committee, whose business it is to maintain an educational column in one or more of the county newspapers.

The North St. Clair Teachers' Institute, composed of teachers employed on the north side of the county, was organized at O'Fallon in December, 1879. Its meetings are held monthly.

The South St. Clair Teachers' Institute was organized at Marissa January, 1880, and during the remaining months of that school year it held regular monthly meetings.

Various other local institutes and teachers' meetings have been organized in the years gone by, but after short leases of life they have ceased to exist, as the leading spirits who conducted them left for new fields of labor.

The schools of the county for a number of years past have participated in the comparative examinations annually held under the auspices of the State Teachers' Association. The manuscript work of 1880, after being examined and arranged by the County Superintendent, was neatly bound in two volumes and exhibited at the State Fair at Springfield and County Fair at Belleville, and received favorable mention at the hands of Hon. James P. Slade, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Concerning the Comparative Examination work of the county, under date of March 14, 1881, State Superintendent James P. Slade writes as follows : " I believe the schools of St. Clair county have been benefited by these examinations, and they have done work that compares favorably with that done by the schools of other counties. This is the testimony of the committee having charge of these examinations. By reference to the report of the chairman of the committee. Prof. S. H. White, of Peoria, (see page 272 of the Biennial' Report of this Department for 1879-80), you will notice that St. Clair county contributed more volumes of school work to represent the schools of Illinois at the Paris Exposition than any other county in the State ; for, while the committee took work from only seven counties and but fifty-six volumes in all, fourteen of these volumes were the work of the schools of St. Clair county."

Almost every school-house in the county has been " christened," so to speak, and is known by its own name, as well as by its district number. The lamented Lincoln has had his name bestowed on the West Belleville school ; Washington, the Father of his Country, the philosopher Franklin, and George Bunsen, who did so much to elevate the city schools, have all been remembered by Belleville. The " Douglas " school at East St. Louis, on famous Bloody Island, calls to mind the Little Giant among statesmen, Stephen A. Douglas. " Cherry Grove," " Union Grove," " Turkey Hill," and " Ogle Creek " still retain the names given them iu 1825.

The " Valley" school, north-east of Summerfield, appears to be on a little elevation, and the valley is hard to find. The " Broad Hollow " school, south-east of Georgetown, does not seem to be in a hollow at all. " Point Lookout," on a ridge south-east of Freeburg, is high and dry enough. " Drum Hill " school, near Fayetteville, was so named on account of Case, the drummer of a rifle company of early times, having settled there and with his drum occasionally made " music in the air. ' The ' Emerald Mound " school, northeast of Lebanon, and the " Sugar Loaf ^' school, south east of Eas^t Carondelet, were so named after large mounds near by, supposed to be the work of that mysterious race, the Mound Builders.

The various towns of the county have graded their schools into two or more grades, and almost all of them have good, substantial school buildings.

The school building at Alma, a two-story frame, was entirely destroyed by fire on the night of February 21, 1881. The Douglas school, at East St. Louis, and the Lebanoq public school building were both destroyed by fire a few years ago, and the citizens, with a generous liberality, speedily replaced them with handsome and commodious structures.

Mascoutah has a commodious two-story brick school building, contaioing eight large school-rooms and a recitation room for the use of the principal's assistant. Nine teachers are employed and about 500 pupils are enrolled. Mr. Charles Cannady is the principal.

Lebanon has a three story building, the two stories being divided off into eight school-rooms, with convenient hat and cloak rooms attached. Eight teachers are employed and about 450 pupils are enrolled. Mr. John H. G. Brinkerhoff is ihe principal.

East St. Louis is composed of two school districts, the Douglas school being in District No. 2, and the Upper, Middle, Franklin, Broadway and Eighth street schools, as also the colored school, being in District No. 1. Thirty teachers are employed, and about 1500 pupils are enrolled. The Upper, Middle, Eighth street, Broadway and Colored schools are kept in rented quarters, but the others are the property of the districts in which they are located.

Belleville and West Belleville are both in the same school district. There are four school buildings, all owned by the district, namely, the Lincoln, containing Six rooms ; the Bunsen, containing eight rooms ; the Washington, containing ten rooms, and the Franklin, containing eighteen rooms. Forty teachers are employed, and a superintendent. Mr. Henry Raab, who has bepn connected with the schools of the city for about twenty-five years, has ably filled the position of superintendent for the last seven years. About 2000 pupils are enrolled. The course of study runs through eight grades, providing for eight years of work. The study of the German language runs through all the grades, and is participated in by a very large percentage of the pupils. The schools owe their excellence to the untiring efforts of the late George Bunsen, and since his death to the able management of the present superintendent, aided by a corps of enthusiastic tea:chers, and sustained by a community who take a deep interest in free schools. These schools took a number of premiums at the State Fair of 1880 for educational work, and among them the second premium for sweepstakes. The Bunsen school building, completed in 1879, at a cost of about $10,000, is an ornament to the city. It was opened for use September 8th, 1879, and its first principal was James Campbell. It is heated with steam, and is well arranged for school purposes, being well lighted and ventilated, and having commodious class rooms with hat and cloak rooms attached.

In the year 1821 the Belleville Academy Association was incorporated by act of the Legislature. The building, a frame structure, was located about where the German Methodist church now stands. Its object was to furnish young men with a higher education. William Turner was among the first instructors. He was a cultured man and a lover of the writings of Shakespeare, which he read with all the eloquence and grace of an actor. His previous history he kept to himself, but his love for Shakespeare led many to suppose that he had been formerly connected with the stage.

About 1824 or 25, John H. Dennis had a school in the Mitchell building where the West block now stands. Mr. Dennis' school was called the " Aristocratic " school, owing to the fact that the children of wealthy families from St. Louis and other places attended it, as Mr. Dennis was a proficient teacher of the languages.

In later years schools were kept in the Odd Fellows' Hall, the present Hinckley House. Here a Mr Edwards and John F. Parks taught with success. Schools were also kept in the basement of the old Presbyterian church, now the City Hall, in the Advocate building, and several other places, till at last it was decided to erect the Washington building, and a few years later the Franklin, so that to-day, the public schools of Belleville are all maintained in property owned and controlled by the school district, through its Board of Education, Dr. James L. Ferryman, Dr. George Loelkes, John Lorenzen, A. C. Hucke, John Weber, Louis Bartel, Henry A. Kircher, Hermann G. Weber, and Hermann Burckhardt.

The following statistics taken from the County Superintendent's report for the year ending June 30, 1880, will no doubt be read with interest :

The statistics of illiteracy show 48 persons betweea 6 and 21 years of age unable to read and write, of which 29 cases were by neglect of parents. The schools of St. Clair county have taken a high rank among the schools of the state. Efficient management on the part of the various superintendents, especially by Hon. James P. Slade, who occupied the office longer than any other, has led to this, as well as being sustained and fostered by a population stAjngly imbued with the sentiment that the safety of the country lies in the education of the masses. Before closing this chapter, we desire to return thanks to those who have kindly aided us with information of the past, and to the teachers and school officers of the county who have willingly assisted us in our labors as superintendent.

treasures for their establishment. To this action Hallam traces the first glimmering of that light which afterwards dispersed the darkness of the middle ages. Wicklyffe, Huss, Luther and Knox were trained in colleges, and some of them were occupied during no small portion of their lives in the actual business of instruction. The genius of Pascal was equally employed in extending the boundaries of science, and in defending the truths of religion. The sublimest poem of the modern world was written by a Christian school-master, and drew its inspiration from the " brook which flowed fast by the oracles of God." John Wesley - the founder of Methodism - was a scholar of Oxford, and the cause of learning in his day had no more earnest champion than he. His followers have emulated his example, and wherever they have gone they have labored alike for the moral and intellectual welfare of those among whom they have lived. They have not waited for wealth to erect stately edifices and provide the costly appliances which

By Prof. Samuel H. Deneen, A. M., Ph.D.

Among the influences which have united to build up the civilization which we enjoy, the most powerful are the preaching of the Gospel, and the diffusion of knowledge. So well is this truth realized, that to a large extent, those who have labored and dared and suffered most for the advancement of mankind will be found to have been concerned at the same time for the promotion of both these interests. Charlemagne, the greatest of medieval rulers, believed that the church and the school are the firmest pillars of a well-ordered government, and devoted large suras from his royal learning covets for the use of her votaries, but with such buildings and apparatus as could be procured, they have gathered the young tigether, and endeavored to impart to them whatever advantages education can bestow. It was to this policy that the foundation of McKendree College was due.

The Illinois Conference - embracing the states of Indiana and Illinois - met in Mt. Carmel, 111., September, 1827. At this session a resolution was introduced by the Rev. Peter Cartwright, D. D., the object of which was to provide for the establishment of a college within the bounds of Illinois. The Conference favored the scheme proposed, and the citizens of Lebanon called a meeting and asked for subscriptions to secure the location of the institution in their midst. Thomas Casad states that his father, Dr. Anthony W. Casad, wrote the compact to which the subscribers appended their names. The document, dated February 20th, 1828, is still preserved, and begins thus : -

" We, the undersigned, estimating mental improvement of the first importance to a commonwealth, as well in a political as a moral and religious view, promise to pay the several sums annexed to our names for the purpose of erecting an edifice in or near the town of Lebanon, St. Clair county, Illinois, for a seminary of learning to be conducted as nearly as may be on the plan of the Augusta college of Kentucky. * * * The property shall be deeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church for the purposes of safe-keeping and the benefits of incorporation." The Illinois Conference was asked to take the institution under its care, and the Missouri Conference was requested to unite in its support. The contributors of the largest sums to the amount subscribed were Nicholas Horner, Nathan Horner, Dr. A. W. Casad, David Chamberlin and Col. E. B. Clemson. Among the subscribers were Rev. S. H. Thompson, Rev. John Dew, Rev. Samuel Mitchell, Charles McDonald, James Riggin, Betsy M. Riggin, John Thomas, Sr., John Thomas, Jr., Thornton Peeples, .Joseph Hypes, T. M. Nichols, Daniel S. Witter, Daniel Whittenburg, Rev. Wm. Moore, Gen. James Moore, Dr. W- W. Roman and Thomas Ray, the founder of the town of Lebanon. There were in all one hundred and five names, and the amount subscribed was $1,385. The sum seems small; but there was little wealth in the community. The state was sparsely populated. Lebanon contained less than two hundred inhabitants. The number of persons in St. Clair county did not exceed 5,000, and St. Clair was at that time the richest and the most populous county in the state. Between Lebanon and the Wabash there were few villages of any importance. The prairies were very much as the Indians had left them, and indeed many believed that they never could be inhabited on account of the scarcity of timber. The French element was still largely predominant in St. Louis. Chicago had no existence. Kaskaskia, formerly the capital of the state, now almost forgotten, had only a few years before lost its importance as the judicial power in Illinois.

The entire membership of the M. E. Church in the the states of Indiana and Illinois, it is believed, did not exceed 35,000. The subscribers were, at all events, not discouraged with the sum obtained, for they met a few days later, selected the grounds which they desired, authorized their purchase and appointed a committee to contract for the erection of a suitable building. As this was not completed as soon as it was needed, the use of the Lebanon schoolhouse was obtained, and there on the 24th of November, 1828, " Lebanon Seminary," as it was called, was opened, with Mr. Edward R. Ames, as principal, and Miss Mc'Murphy, as assistant. What became of the assistant is not known. Mr. Ames (180G- 1879), who was educated at Ohio University, was licensed to preach in 1S30, elected Bishop of the M. E. Church in 1852, and in that office acquired a national reputation. While in charge of the Seminary Mr. A. became a candidate for ministerial orders before the quarterly conference then assembled in old Shiloh Church. He did not then possess the portly proportions which afterward enabled him to bear the burden of episcopal honors so easily. His health seemed delicate, and one half of the members present were opposed to granting him license to preach. While the case stood thus, a colored minister who belonged to the conference was noticed riding along the road. He was stopped, brought in, and after learning the condition of afl^airs, cast his vote in favor of the applicant. He used to boast in after life that his vote had made Mr. Ames bishop! Mr. A during his connection with the Seminary confined his efibrts entirely to academical work. He remained until the autumn of 1830, when he was appointed to a charge as an itinerant Methodist' minister. In the same year Bishop McKendree made known his intentions of devoting 480 acres of land lying in Moore's Prairie, St. Clair county. 111., to found an institution of learning for the Illinois and Missouri Conferences. The board of managers learning this fact, voted to change the name of " Lebanon Seminary " to " McKendree College." It will not be inappropriate here to give a brief sketch of the venerable minister in honor of whom the college was named.

William McKendree, fourth bishop of the M. E. Church, was born in King William county, Virginia, July 6, 1757. His father was a respectable planter, and the son was brought up to follow the same occupation. Young McKendree enlisted as a soldier in the war of the Revolution, rose to the rank of adjutant, and was present when Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown. He was converted in 1787, and began a few months later to preach. In 1795 he had charge of four circuits, and labored on each of them three months during the year. In 1796 he was made presiding elder, and was transferred in 1800 to the West. His district embraced thirteen circuits - two in Ohio, six in Kentucky, three in Tennessee and two in Virginia. Six conferences have since found room in this field of his labor. His distinguished services soon drew the attention of the Church to him, and in 1808 he was elected bishop. From this year to the close of his life he was engaged in the work of episcopal oversight, which compelled him to travel through the whole length of the country, and westward to the very outposts of the frontier settlements. In these journeys he often endured great hardships, which gradually undermined his health. His death took place at the home of his brother. Dr. McKendree, in Tennessee, March 5, 1835. Bishop M. excelled both as a preacher of the word, and as a presiding and executive oflBcer. Judge John McLean, of the U. S. Supreme Court, said of him: '-He was eloquent in the true sense of the word. Few men ever filled the pulpit with greater dignity and usefulness, and the beautiful simplicity of his sermons was, perhaps, unequalled in our country."

After the departure of Mr. Ames, the institution appears to have been conducted for two or three years as a preparatory school. Rev. Peter Akers, D D., was elected president of the College September 27, 1833, and soon after entered upon the duties of his office. Dr. A. had been educated at Transylvania University, Ky , and was earnestly requested by Bishop McKendree to accept the care of this new charge of the Church. Through his influence the college building, which was still unfinished but had been for some years in use, was now completed. Agents were appointed ; application was made to the legislature to have the college chartered ; a boarding-house, under the control of the trustees, was opened, and the work of instruction was divided into proper departments. It was resolved to undertake the endowment of a Professorship, to be called in honor of Bishop Asbury. The act to incorporate the college was approved February, 1835. Among the names of those voting to grant the charter is found that of Abraham Lincoln. The following are the names of the charter trustees : John Dew, Samuel H. Thompson, James Riggin, Nicholas Horner, George Lowe, Robert Moore, Theophilus M. Nichols, Joshua Barnes, Samuel Stites, David L. West, Nathan Horner, Joseph Foulks, Thornton Peeples, John S. Barger, Nathaniel M. McCurdy, Anthony W. Casad and Benjamin Hypes. The institutution was greatly in need of fund.s to meet the expenses of the professorships recently established, and Dr. Akers, April 22, 1835, was released from the duties of the presidency in order to solicit donations in behalf of the college. Rev. James C. Finley, D.D., employed as his substitute in the work of instruction. Later in the same year, Sept. 19, 1835, Kev. John Dew was elected president. Prof. Annis Merrill, a graduate of Wesleyan University, Conn., was chosen Feb. 13, 1836, for the Professorship of Ancient Languages - a chair which was then named the " John Emory Professorship." He prevailed upon the trustees to adopt the course of study pursued at the institution where he had beeen educated, and also secured the election of his friend, James W. Sunderland, to the Professorship of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. These two young professors, students from the same university, were the real founders of the literary character of the college. They were fresh from their studies, distinguished for scholarship, full of zeal, with an enthusiastic love of learning, and well fitted to be pioneers in the cause of collegiate instruction. Entering upon their duties, they collected around them a band of young men into whom they transfused their own ardor in the pursuit of knowledge. They determined to omit nothing from the list of studies required in the best Eastern colleges.

They encountered serious obstacles ; but difficulties disappeared before their irrepressible energy. They were ready to labor, and content to wait, and, as is the case with most men animated by such motives, they accomplished the object for which they strove. Their toils were indeed fruitful, both as regards those who were immediately under their care, and as preparing the way in which their successors were to follow. Their high ideal was an inspiration, and has become an example. Rev. John Dew .resigned the presidency Sept. 18, 1837, and Rev. John W. Merrill, D.D., was elected as his successor. Dr. Merrill was a brother of Prof. Merrill, and was a graduate of Wesleyan University and also of Andover Theological Seminary. Under his direction the several departments of the college were regularly organized, and the scholarly work of himself and his colleagues soon gave to the institution deserved reputation. He has described his labors in an interesting letter, from which the following extract is taken :

" Let me here advert to ihe literary labors of the College in the four years of my connection with it. The work was assigned to the Professors, and the best methods of study, recitations and reviews in the older colleges were adopted ; a kind, but strict discipline preserved ; examinations at the end of the terms, and the years, were instituted ; and these continued usually one week each. Exhibitions, by original productions, accompanied the examinations at the close of the terms, and at the anniversaries. General harmony prevailed. There were few cases of discipline, and those re^tiiring dismission extremely rare. Study, cheerfulness, and good order were characteristics of the College. At sunrise and near sunset, for four years, I met the students in the Chapel for religious services. There were often seasons of spiritual refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The scriptures were read, a hymn was sung, and prayer offered. God was pleased to visit the institution with several revivals of religion, and many students, as well as others, shared in its blessings. Learning and religion mated well together. It happened to me not only to do the work assigned by the Trustees ; but where there seemed a want, there I applied my strength. It thus occurred that the first class in College read most of their College Greek with me. They read under my eye the whole of the first volume of the Majora, and the most of the second, excepting the tragedies, though they read the Medea, and twelve books of Homer's Iliad. Few classes in the older Colleges read more Greek than this. As it was found the powers of our College charter were too narrow, and as it seemed desirable to introduce Professorships in Sacred Literature, Ecclesiastical History and Theology, as well as chairs in the other professions, it was suggested by me, that that end should be secured in the new charter, and it was agreed by the Trustees to ask of the Legislature power to establish ' professorships in all the learned professions,' and this power was generously and amply granted. When we had obtained the new charter, the senior class read, with me, one exercise in the Gospels a week exegetically. Our students studied so diligently, and the examinations were so satisfactory, that, on the graduation of this class, the college had taken a high literary rank in the State, and our number of students were about one hundred and twenty-two during the year. The members of the graduating class were R. F. Cunningham, H. H. Horner, J. Johnson, W. T. Lucky, J. Pierson, E. Robinson and W. Weer. Their examinations had been passed with credit. Their orations had been prepared, and in a grove hard by the college premises, over the road nearly in front of the college grounds, a stage had been erected, and here the exhibitions of the three lower classes had passed off well. The commencement day had arrived, a large crowd had assembled, the trustees and visitors were on the stage with the Faculty^ the senior class one by one had made their addresses, the diplomas were distributed, the degrees conferred ; and now the first class in McKendree College had been admitted to the grade of Bachelor of Arts ; and this, I think, was the first class admitted to that degree in a Methodist college, north of Kentucky and west of Pennsylvania. This was iu 1811. It was one-sixth larger than the first class graduated at the Wesleyan University. This was a joyous day in McKendree."

The new charter, to which Dr. Merrill refers, was approved Jan. 26, 1839. As the college is still governed in accordance with its provisions, it will be proper to give the names of the trustees to whom it was granted. They were William Wilson, Samuel H. Thompson, Thornton Peeples, John S. Barger, Benjamin Hypes, Hiram K. Ashley, Joshua Barnes, James Riggin, Wathan Horner, Benjamin T. Kavanaugh, Theophilus M: Nichols, Crispin Cunningham, John Hogan, Jesse Renfro, Benjamin Bond, and Alexander M. Jenkins. Dr. Merrill resigned Aug. 18, 1841, and Rev. James C. Finley, D.D., a graduate of Princtton, N. J , was chosen in his stead. Dr. Finley served until March 10, 1S46, when Dr. Akers was invited to take the position. The college at this time was severely pressed financially, and Dr. Akers did not assume the active duties of his office. The institution was suspended from the autumn of 1845 to the autumn of 1846. Rev. Erastus Wentworth, D.D., a graduate of Wesleyan University, was elected President April 1, 1846, with a Faculty selected entirely from eastern colleges. The first measure of the new Faculty was tc provide a course of study with the ancient languages omitted. Those who completed this course were to receive the degree of "Bachelor of Science." Steps were also taken to provide for the erection of a more commodious building, and through the uutidng efforts of the agent, Rev. Wm. Goodfellow, this object was accomplished. The Lebanon Journal," a newspaper in the interest of the college, was established in 1849. It served as an organ of communication between the friends of the college and the church, and was continued for several years, but never was a financial success. Dr. Wentworth remained in his office four years, and did much to make the college popular and to attract students to its halls. He was succeeded by Rev. Anson W. Curamings, D.D., who held the office for two years. Rev. Peter Akers, D.D., was chosen president in 1852, and served in that capacity five years. A new scheme for the endowment of the college by the sale of scholarships was devised i i 1854, and agents were sent into the field, and labored strenuously to accomplish the object designed. During Dr. Akers' term of office the old college building caught fire, and was consumed. Dr. Akers appealed to the public to replace the loss, and the present college chapel was soon after begun. Dr. Akers resigned July, 1857, and Dr. Werter R. Davis, senior professor, acted as president until the spring term of 1858, when Rev. Nelson E. Cobleigh, D.D., by the election of the executive committee, was called to the position. His election was confirmed in the following June by the board of trustees. Dr. Cobleigh (1814-1874) was a graduate of Wesleyan University, had been Professor of Ancient Languages in McKendree College for the year 1853-4, and in Lawrence University, Wis., from 1854 to the spring of 1858.

Dr. Cobleigh signalized his entrance upon office by discarding all plans of endowing the college by means of scholarships, and resolved to appeal at once to the generosity of the public. He fixed the sum he proposed to raise at twenty thousand dollars, ($20,000) and prevailed upon the Southern Illinois Conference to assume the collection of one-half of this amount, while Lebanon and vicinity were to furnish the other portion. The preachers ^ntered cheerfully into the plan. Lebanon and the immediate neighborhood, through the earnest efforts of Dr. Cobleigh and the friends of the college, contributed twelve thousand dollars ($12,000). The Conference raised the promised $10,000 in notes which it agreed to make good. This work was completed in the year 1860, and is the most important financial scheme devised and carried into execution in the history of the college It relieved the institution from im-' mediate pressure, and assured its permanence. Dr. Cobleigh resigned in 1863, and was succeeded by Rev. Robert Allyn, D. D., LL. D, who was the presiding officer of the college for eleven years. Dr. Allyn, like several of his predecessors, was a graduate of Wesleyan University. He directed his efforts to the reduction of the debt of the college, and by donations and special arrangements with the creditors, he lessened it by the amount of somewhat more than $20,000. This reduction was effected by the self-sacrifice of the professors of the college. Several attempts were made during Dr. Allyn's administration to entirely remove the iodebtedness of the institution, but they were only partially successful, and at his de-- parture from the college, there still remained upon it a debt of $5,000. Dr. Allyn added to the buildings of the college a substantial structure designed for gymnastic purposes, but which has since been converted to the use of the Commercial Department. Through his agency, the institution was opened to female students by vote of the Board of Trustees, June 9, 1869. The Scientific Course was enlarged in June, 1874, by requiring from all candi-' dates for the degree of " Bachelor of Science " two years of Latin and German.

Dr. Allyn was succeeded, in 1874, by Rev. John W. LockCj D. D., a graduate of Augusta College, Kentucky. Dr. Locke had been for twelve years Professor of Mathematics in Indiana Asbury University, and for a short time President of Baker University, Kansas. He held the oflace four years, during which time departments were instituted for students of commercial science and of music. The bequests of Mrs. E. M. Riggins (1875) and of Dr. N. M. McCurdy (1876) increased the funds of the college, and established its financial affairs upon a better basis. The successor of Dr- Locke was Rev. Ross C Houghton, D.D., educated at Union College, N.Y., and at the time of his election, June, 1878, pastor of Union M. E. Churcii, St. Louis, Mo. Dr. Houghton retained his pastorship, and vi--ited the college at brief intervals, so as to keep an oversight of the management. As a condition of remaining, he insisted that the debt upon the college, amounting at that time to nearly $7,000, be paid, and six citizens of Lebanon gave their notes for $ :J,000 for that purpose. The whole sum not having been raised.

Dr. Houghton resigned the presidency, and Rev. Daniel W. Phillips, A.M., an alumnus of the college, was chosen to fill that office. The effort to remove the debt was continued without interruption, and the claim against the college, which had been so long a source of embarrassment, was paid in full Dec 31, 1879.

Financial History. - The first important movement with reference to the endowment of the college was made April 14, 1836. Rev. B. T. Kavanaugh, D.D., agent of the board of trustees, was authorized to sell perpetual scholarships for the sum of $500 each, and to enter or purchase lands for persons wishing to invest in real estate in Illinois, one half of the land thus entered or purchased to be held in the name of the donor, and the other for the benefit of the college. At that time the national road was in process of construction, and it was confidently expected that when it was completed through Illinois, the value of lands would be enhanced one hundred per cent, within five years. Dr. Kavanaugh was so active in his agency that the board of trustees, Jan. 1, 1839, declared that the sum of $50,000 had been subscribed for the endowment of the college, and required the agents to collect the money or secure the notes of the subscribers. But the veto of the National Road by Gen. Jackson annulled the prospect of any immediate advancement in the value of Illinois lands and the financial disasters which occurred throughout the whole country during the administration of Van Buren, produced despondency and prostration of enterprise in the West. The subscribers found themselves unable to pay principal or interest. Repeated duns alienated their good will, and embittered their feelings. Of the one hundred scholarships sold, only one was paid for in cash. Various compromises were made with the other subscribers, unsatisfactory to themselves and ruinous to the college. Those who had invested their money in Illinois lands were also disappointed in their expectation of sudden riches and disposed to complain. Of the $50,000 subscribed, it is believed that scarcely enough was ever realized by the college to pay the expenses of the agent. A sad commentary upon the policy of taking notes running for a term of years without any security for payment except the signature of the giver.

The next attempt to endow the college was made in 1854 The sale of scholarships for this purpose was still common with college authorities, and it is not strange that recourse was had to this method again. A committee, consisting of Rev. James Leaton, D. D., Rev. Wm. L. Deneen and Judge Wm. H. Underwood, reported a plan to raise $100,000. The scholarships were to be perpetual and transferable only to the college, and none were to be entitled to tuition on these scholarships, except members_^ of families of the owners. These articles were unfortunately so modified by the board of trustees as to make the scholarships transferable to any party, and to allow the owners to sell, rent, or loan them to whom they pleased. This change in the original plan has proved very injurious to the college. Scholarships for three years were sold at $30 ; for seven years at $50 ; aud for twenty years at $100. Five hundred and ninety-six (596) of these scholarships were sold by eight agents. Only about one tenth of the aggregate value of the scholarships was received in cash. Notes were given for the rest, many of which could not be collected. The late Gov. French reported after a careful examination, that the college had paid one dollar and two cents for every dollar it had received from the sale of these scholarships. The failure of this plan, as in the former case, arose from selling scholarships to men who did not secure their notes, and were unable to meet their obligations themselves. The cash collected, barely paid the salaries of the agents, and the expenses of advertising. The college has sufl^ered sorely from the results of this ill-advised scheme. Its only beneficial effect was to bring somestu- dents to the college 'who but for the possession of a scholarship would probably never have thought of seeking an education. Nevertheless the failure and folly of these schemes are not by any means peculiar to McKendree College. Very many of the literary institutions of the U. S. founded by benevolent effort have had a similar or worse experience. The chosen nation had to journey for long years through the wilderness, and men and the institutions of men do not escape a similar fate. The creation of a permanent fund for the endowment of the college is due to the efforts of Dr. N. E. Cobleigh. Through the exertions of himself and the friends of the college, the sum of $22,000 was raised in notes, and when notes proved worthless new donations were sought to replace them Most of them were good. The management of this fund has been in the hands of careful men, such as Gov. French, Wm. Nichols, H. H. Horner, G. W. Seaman, Luther Brown, Henry Seiter and others. To this permanent fund there was added the sum of $2500 in 1866, from the centenary collections of the Southern Illinois Conference, and land of nearly the same value. In June, 1872, another plan was devised to increase this fund by donations payable in ten annual instalments. From this source a small revenue is derived. Mrs. Elizabeth M. Riggin (1805-1875) willed to the college property valued at $23,000, of which a little more than half was immediately available. Dr. Nathaniel M. McCurdy (.1799- 1876) of Vandalia, 111., left to the college, moneys and stocks of the aggregate value of $25,000, from which, however, the institution will not derive an income for some time to come- The college has therefore an endowment of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) of which only about one half is at present yielding interest. The income from this fund, and the fees charged for tuition, constitute the means by which the salaries of the faculty are paid. Of the money given to the college for the erection of buildings, the payments of debts, and for endowment, more than $60,000 have been contributed by Lebanon and vicinity.

Grounds And Buildings

The park in which the college buildings are located, consists of seventeen acres. The ground is high and rolling, and the charm of the natural scenery is felt and acknowledged by all visitors. Seen in its full beauty during the commencement week in June, it presents a picture of rare attractiveness. No where, it should seem, could be found a fitter spot, where young and ardent minds might be brought into communion with " The dead but sceptered sovereigns, who still rule our spirits from {heir urns." It is, indeed, a Mecca to those, who in their early days have trodden its walks and reclined beneath the shadow of its noble forest trees. The buildings of the college are plain and substantial, and well adapted for the purposes for which they are erected The main building consists of three stories, two of which furnish eight large and commodious rooms for recitations and lectures, while the third is devoted to the halls of the two literary societies of the young gentlemen. The chapel consists of two stories, the upper of which contains the audience room, which is one of the largest in the state; the lower is divided into two departments, which contain the library, the cabinet and the hall of the young ladies' literary society. The commercial hall contains but one story, and is the most elegantly finished on the grounds,

The libraries of the College contain between 7000 and 8000 volumes, and many hundred pamphlets. The books have been largely obtained by donation, and consequently are of a very diversified character. The largest single donation came from Rev. Robert Emory, D. D., of Dickinson College, Penn. The standard works of history and reference have been purchased. A fund is very much needed to make the library what it ought to be. A collection of so many books cannot well be made without containing some rare volumes. Among books not often found in American libraries we may mention the " Institutes, Political and Military, of Timour, otherwise called Tamerlane's, in Persian and English. Edited by Joseph White, B. D., Oxford, 1783 ;" " The Flowers of Persian Literature, in Persian and English. Edited by S. Rousseau, 1801 ;" " Arabic Proverbs, or the Manners and Customs of the Modern Egyptians, Illustrated from their Proverbial Sayings Current at Cairo. In Arabic and English. By John Lewis Burckhardt. London, 1830." These books, with some Persian MSS. were given to the College, at the request of Col. R. M. Moore, A. M., by Rev. Rufus Spaulding, missionary to Africa, in 1834, The oldest book in the library is "Julii Csesaris Scaligeri, viri clarissimi Poetices Libri Septem," printed in 1661, A copy of Edward Everett's Works, presented by himself, and containing his autograph, should not be unnoticed,

Literaey Societies

There are three literary societies. Two of these are for young gentlemen - the Philosophian, founded in 1837, and the Platonian, founded in 1849, The exercises of these societies are of the highest utility in preparing young men for professional life. Many, who have since distinguished themselves at the bar, in the pulpit, and before public assemblies, have borne testimony to the benefits derived from their youthful training here. The halls of these societies, in their size and in the elegance of all their appointments, are equalled by few in the United States They are the pride of the College, The Clionian Society, founded in 1869, is designed to furnish young ladies the same advantages as the other societies offer to young men,

Cabinet

The cabinet contains a very large number of specimens, carefully arranged and labelled. The specimens were chiefly obtained from the Mississippi Valley and the Rocky Mountains, but by exchanges and donations nearly all parts of our country are represented, as well .as portions of South America and the Old World. President, Phillips procured from Dr. George Vasey, M. S., Botanist, a botanical collection of about 6000 species, representing the flora of America with many foreign plants. He has also purchased for the College a collection ofmounted birds, representing the species found in Southern Illinois. Rev. P, T. Wilson, of the class of 1862, while a missionary in India, made a collection for the College, embracing a full assortment of marble images of the numerous gods worshipped there, a few birds of the richest plumage, a musk deer, a Himalaya mountain goat and deer, a stuffed cobra di capello and other specimens of minor interest,

Alumni

The roll of Alumni of the College contains the names of nearly four hundred persons, many of whom are in high offices of trust in Church or State, while others in private stations are exerting an influence not less important, if less prominent. They may be found from Boston to Portland, and from St. Paul to Tallahassee and Los Angeles. They are especially numerous in the legal profession, in which they are winning for themselves honor and wealth. An equal number perhaps may be found engaged in proclaiming to their fellow men the teachings of the Master. Others are physicians, professors, editors, congressmen, judges, ministers to foreign courts, or missionaries to distant lands. In the war the sons of McKendree nobly responded to the call of their country in her hour of need. They were to be seen in all ranks from Major-General to the com-

Institution Of The Immaculate Conception

The History of Catholic Eduaation in Belleville dates from the year 1846, when we find an humble, self sacrificing Catholic priest, Eev. G. H. Ostlangenberg, gathering around him the children of the few Catholic families of Belleville in the basement of their little church, thus laying the foundation of the present parochial schools of St. Peter's congregation. Many were the difficulties to be surmounted. Few children - most of them from the locality - scanty means, want of competent teachers. Early settlers feelingly relate how the good priest had to work in order to defray the expenses of the first school. But also the teachers had their difficulties : among the children there had to be almost as many classes as there were children; and, what was still more annoying, among them were representatives of almost every nationality: - German, French, English, Irish, American, Bohemian. Yet the zeal of Father Ostlangenberg was undaunted. Notwithstanding all the difficulties he kept up his school until he left Belleville, and attained the end sought after in establishing it. Most of the pupils of his school have done well in life, and remained faithful to the church.

His successor, the present Right Reverend Bishop Alton, being likewise interested in the education of the children, thought it expedient to procure membars of a religious community for the accomplishment of this task- In the year 1857, he took up a collection for the building of a convent and school-rooms for the girls of the congregation. The building was to be 107 feet in front, 40 feet deep, and 30 feet high - the middle part of the present " Institute of the Immaculate Conception." It cost $8437.09, of which about $800.00 were contributed by liberal citizens of Belleville, about $5000.00 by St. Peter's congregation, and the balance of $2600.00 by the Sisters of the Mother house in Milwaukee, Wis., to whom the Reverend Pastor had applied for teachers for his schools. In September, 1859, two Sisters, with Sister Mary Jerome, as Superioress arrived in Belleville. The day of their arrival was a day of great joy among the parishioners. But the good Sisters had not only to teach ; they had also the arduous task of finishing the structure, and furnishing the same, out of their own scanty means. They opened school in the new building, in October, 1859, with seventy-five girls. A male teacher had charge of the boys, who had their class-room in the basement of the old church.

Soon afterwards a school-room was built for them on the lot, on which now St. Peter's church stands, from where it was removed 1863, to the lot where now the St. Elizabeth Hospital is erected. The number of scholars increasing from year to year, more teachers were required and consequently more room. In the year 1863, the sisters took charge also of the smaller boys, who after the completion of the new church had their class-rooms in the old church building, which had been divided into three large and commodious school-rooms. There the boys' school was continued until September, 1879, when it was removed to the school-rooms of the St. Agnos Orphan Asylum. The larger boys are in charge of Mr. Clemens Willenbrink, the successful teacher and organist of St. Peter's Congregation for the last six years. As a preparatory class to the parochial schools a Kindergarten, numbering at an average sixty children has been in operation for the last four years under the charge of a sister. It is an interesting class, and has proved very beneficial to those in attendance.

branches only are being taught. Thus the parochial schools of St. Peter's Congregation are divided into four different classes for boys; four for girls ; English school, and Kindergarten, in which al- 'together nine Bisters and one male teacher are engaged in teaching about 650 children. Besides all the branches taught in the public schools of the country, Bible History of the Old and New Testament and Catechism alternately are being taught in all classes for half an hour every day. The girls are also instructed twice a week in needle work. Singing classes are given twice a week, half an hour in the afternoon, in which singing is taught systematically, so that for the last five years the children of the parochial school have been able to sing every first Sunday of the month at High mass and the psalms at Vespers in the afternoon in St. Peter's church, to the great pleasure of the juvenile singers, and the edification of the whole congregation.

Examinations take place in all schools twice a year - in the beginning of December, and at the end of April, afterthe latter part of which, in the month of May, a public exhibition, consisting of singing, declamations, and tableaux, is given in the grand hall of the Sisters' Convent, at which all children of the parochial schools and their parents are present. It is the gr. at gala day of the children, because they know their fathers and mothers are among the audience, listening to their songs and plays. Though the world generally ignores the labors of the good sisters, St. Peter's Congregation offers them a tribute of gratitude bj' declaring that the day of their coming to Belleville was one of great blessing. Thousands of its members thank them for their education, secular as well as religious. In the records of Heaven alone will we find all they have done for the furtherance of the holy work, and there, too, in that abode of bliss, is their reward awaiting them.

A day or select school, divided into three departments, is also in charge of these Sisters, and open to the children of Belleyille in general. All the branches required for a finished education are taught in these classes. Charges are : Primary department $6.00, Intermediate department $8.00 and Senior department $10.00 per session of five months. Vocal music in class, three times a week, no extra charge. Private vocal lessons $20.00 per session. Instrumental music, lessons given daily, also $20.00 per session.

Many ladies of Belleville and vicinity have received their musical education from the Sisters de Notre Dame, and it is a source of gratification to these Sisters to know that many of their former pupils now conduct church choirs and play the organ during divine service in different parts of the country.

The boarding-school for young ladies, known as " Institute of the Immaculate Conception," offers every advantage of similar institutions. The Sisters, feeling bound to respond to the confidence placed in them by parents and guardians, give their pupils a Christian and thorough education. Pupils of all religious denominations are received. The course of study, pursued in this institution, embraces the English, German and French languages, with all useful and ornamental branches taught to young ladies.

Private examinations are held every two months and written reports sent to parents and guardians. Premiums are distributed to the most deserving, at the commencement, held annually in the Exhibition Hall, towards the end of June.

The building is very spacious, measuring one hundred and eighty feet front, and one hundred feet deep, thoroughly ventilated, heated by furnaces, lighted by gas, and furnished with all modern improvements.

gives forth its light, by night and day, before the sanctuary of the Holy of Holies. Young lady boarders have access to the chapel for general and private devotions.

The moderate prices, together with the healthy location and many advantages of this institution should b3 an inducement to parents and guardians to place their children or wards in care of these excellent teachers.

Howe Literaky Institute

This institution takes its name from the late Mr. Lyman Howe, by whose liberality it was founded. Mr. Howe was an intelligent merchant, who had bsen for several years engaged in business on what is known as Bloody Island, just opposite the city of St. Louis. Wishing to leave some memorial of himself that would, at the same time, be a substantial benefit to the community then just beginning to gather at that point, he embodied in his will a bequest of ten thousand dollars " for the building of a church, or school-house, or both, on Bloody Island."

The custody and expenditure of this bequest was especially committed to the Hon. Jno. B. Lovingston, the executor of the will, without other instructions than those contained in the single sentence above quoted. But Mr. Lovingston had been a business partner of Mr. Howe, and was in hearty sympathy with his liberal inipulses and enlightened public spirit, and believing that the wishes of the testator would be best attained by the establishment of an educational institution, he decided to appropriate the fund to that purpose.

It was desirable that such an institution should have the fostering care of some organized body, interested in education, that would be perpetual in its own existence, and would give the institute a constant and permanent support. With this object in view, Mr. Lovingston proffered the control of the enterprise to the South District Baptist Association, and this body, after due consideration, decided to accept the trust.

In October, 1871, an educational association was formed for this purpose, composed chiefly of prominent citizens of St. Clair and Madison counties. An incorporation under the general law of the State was effected, and a Board of Trustees chosen.

Of this association Hon. J. B. Lovingston was made President, Hon. Jas. P. Slade, Secretary, and Eev. J. M. Cochran, who had been most active in promoting the enterprise thus far, was chosen Corresponding Secretary and Financial Agent. The Board of Trustees then chosen has (continued substantially to the present time. Including some changes caused chiefly by death, the list comprises, in addition to the officers above-named, the following gentlemen, who have also been the principal supporters of the institute : Jno. T. Lemen, M. W. Weir, G. W. Darrow, David Ogle, L M St. John, W. R. Begole, Chas. Gooding, W. A. Darrow, Warren Beedle, M. T. Stookey, Fred. Merrill and VV. M. Ander-

At the early date of Mr. Howe's death, he did not anticipate, nor did any one else then foresee, how completely Bloody Island would be occupied by the numerous railroads since built, which eonverc^e to a common focus upon it, rendering it a quite unsuitable location for the building he had provided fur. With the concurrence of the executors and the heirs of the estate, a decree in Chancery was obtained, authorizing a change of location ; and the present site, donated in part by Mr. Lovingston, was fixed upon. The campus contains about one acre, healthily and pleasantly situated on the highest ground in East St. Luiis, just outside the present limits of the city, and about one and a half miles directly east of the Great Bridge.

In the summer of 1873 the trustees began the erection of the institute building. At ihat time the whole country was in the full tide of commercial and business prosperity, and the work of building was entered upon in the confidence which that prosperity inspired, without apprehension of, or provision for, the disastrous changes which were soon to follow. Overtaken by the sudden financial panic in the autumn, the trustees were obliged to suspend the work, and the walls were left standing unfinished several months. In the spring of 1874, as money could not be otherwise raised, the needed funds were burrowed, the building completed, and the school opened in October, under the supervision of Rev. S. F. Holt, A. M., who had been elected President of the institute in the spring, and had bsen actively engaged during the summer in finishing and furnishing the edifice. The cost of the edifice, exclusive of the bite, was about $20,000.

During the several years of " hard times " which followed the opening of the institute, its history was a continuous struggle, not so much for success as for existence. Returning commercial prosperity brought a better patronage to the institute, and greatly brightened its prospects. It now promises to become a permanent and successful institution of great benefit to the city in which it is located, and to the people of the surrounding country.

The annual attendance has varied from sixty to one hundred and seventy. It has a carefully-arranged course of study, upon the completion of which a diploma is given. The number of graduates thus far is fourteen. Its first President still continues at its head.